Kia ora Jacob

 

This email acknowledges your below request for information made under the
Official Information Act 1982.

 

Your request has been forwarded to the appropriate section of NZ Transport
Agency Waka Kotahi for response. They will contact you if they require
clarification of your request, more time to respond, or if your request
has been transferred to another organisation to respond to. Unless more
time is required, NZ Transport Agency will send a response to you within
20 working days of receiving your request – in this instance on or before
20 March 2026.

 

If you would like to discuss your request with NZ Transport Agency, please
contact us by email at [1][NZTA request email].

 

Ngā mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[2]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[3][IMG]

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jacob Williams <[FYI request #33785 email]>
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 2:45 pm
To: Official Correspondence <[email address]>
Subject: Official Information request - Enquiry: Vehicle Regulatory
Framework Review, Light Quadricycle Classification

 

[You don't often get email from
[4][FYI request #33785 email]. Learn why this is
important at [5]https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

 

Dear New Zealand Transport Agency,

 

Kia ora,

 

I am writing to the Ministry of Transport to raise a vehicle policy matter
and to ask to be connected with the appropriate team.

 

In April 2024, Waka Kotahi NZTA responded to an Official Information Act
request (OIA-15043) confirming that New Zealand has no defined vehicle
category for light quadricycles — vehicles such as the Fiat Topolino,
Citroën Ami, and Renault Twizy, which are road-legal across the European
Union under the L7e classification. The response also noted that a review
of NZTA's regulatory framework was expected to begin soon, with the scope
to include what vehicle classes should be accepted for registration in New
Zealand.

 

Nearly two years on, I am seeking an update from the Ministry on the
policy position regarding this issue. My questions are:

 

1. Is the Ministry of Transport aware of or involved in the vehicle
regulatory framework review referenced by NZTA in April 2024, and if so,
what is its current status?

2. Has the question of introducing a light quadricycle vehicle category —
equivalent to the EU's L7e classification — been considered at a policy
level by the Ministry?

3. If this has not yet been considered, would the Ministry be willing to
assess whether such a category is appropriate for New Zealand?

4. Is there a public or stakeholder consultation process planned in
connection with any vehicle classification review, and if so, how can I
participate?

 

I also wish to raise what I believe is a significant inconsistency in the
current regulatory approach as it relates to pedestrian safety — a matter
the Ministry has acknowledged as a priority.

 

I raise this not to argue against any particular vehicle type, but to ask
that any regulatory review of vehicle classification be conducted on a
consistent, evidence-based basis — and that the pedestrian safety argument
not be applied selectively to block smaller, lighter, slower vehicles
while larger ones face no equivalent scrutiny.

 

I would be grateful if you could direct this enquiry to the appropriate
policy team, and I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Jacob Williams

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[6][FYI request #33785 email]

 

Is [7][NZTA request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to New Zealand Transport Agency? If so, please
contact us using this form:

[8]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[9]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This message, together with any attachments, may contain information that
is classified and/or subject to legal privilege. Any classification
markings must be adhered to. If you are not the intended recipient, you
must not peruse, disclose, disseminate, copy or use the message in any
way. If you have received this message in error, please notify us
immediately by return email and then destroy the original message. This
communication may be accessed or retained by NZ Transport Agency Waka
Kotahi for information assurance purposes.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[NZTA request email]
2. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/conn...
3. https://nzta.govt.nz/
4. mailto:[FYI request #33785 email]
5. https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific...
6. mailto:[FYI request #33785 email]
7. mailto:[NZTA request email]
8. https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...
9. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Jacob

 

Transferring the request you made under the Official Information Act 1982

 

Thank you for your email below requesting information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act).

The information you have requested is more closely connected with the
functions of Ministry of Transport than with NZ Transport Agency Waka
Kotahi. Therefore, NZ Transport Agency is transferring your request to
Ministry of Transport under section 14 of the Act.

The time limit for their response to you is 20 working days from 24
February 2026 so you can expect a response from Ministry of Transport on
or before 24 March 2026.

 

Ngā mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[1]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[2][IMG]

 

From: Official Correspondence <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 3:15 pm
To: Jacob Williams <[FOI #33785 email]>
Subject: OIA-21210 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

Kia ora Jacob

 

This email acknowledges your below request for information made under the
Official Information Act 1982.

 

Your request has been forwarded to the appropriate section of NZ Transport
Agency Waka Kotahi for response. They will contact you if they require
clarification of your request, more time to respond, or if your request
has been transferred to another organisation to respond to. Unless more
time is required, NZ Transport Agency will send a response to you within
20 working days of receiving your request – in this instance on or before
20 March 2026.

 

If you would like to discuss your request with NZ Transport Agency, please
contact us by email at [3][NZTA request email].

 

Ngā mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[4]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[5][IMG]

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jacob Williams
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 2:45 pm
To: Official Correspondence
Subject: Official Information request - Enquiry: Vehicle Regulatory
Framework Review, Light Quadricycle Classification

 

[You don't often get email from
[6][FOI #33785 email]. Learn why this is
important at [7]https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

 

Dear New Zealand Transport Agency,

 

Kia ora,

 

I am writing to the Ministry of Transport to raise a vehicle policy matter
and to ask to be connected with the appropriate team.

 

In April 2024, Waka Kotahi NZTA responded to an Official Information Act
request (OIA-15043) confirming that New Zealand has no defined vehicle
category for light quadricycles — vehicles such as the Fiat Topolino,
Citroën Ami, and Renault Twizy, which are road-legal across the European
Union under the L7e classification. The response also noted that a review
of NZTA's regulatory framework was expected to begin soon, with the scope
to include what vehicle classes should be accepted for registration in New
Zealand.

 

Nearly two years on, I am seeking an update from the Ministry on the
policy position regarding this issue. My questions are:

 

1. Is the Ministry of Transport aware of or involved in the vehicle
regulatory framework review referenced by NZTA in April 2024, and if so,
what is its current status?

2. Has the question of introducing a light quadricycle vehicle category —
equivalent to the EU's L7e classification — been considered at a policy
level by the Ministry?

3. If this has not yet been considered, would the Ministry be willing to
assess whether such a category is appropriate for New Zealand?

4. Is there a public or stakeholder consultation process planned in
connection with any vehicle classification review, and if so, how can I
participate?

 

I also wish to raise what I believe is a significant inconsistency in the
current regulatory approach as it relates to pedestrian safety — a matter
the Ministry has acknowledged as a priority.

 

I raise this not to argue against any particular vehicle type, but to ask
that any regulatory review of vehicle classification be conducted on a
consistent, evidence-based basis — and that the pedestrian safety argument
not be applied selectively to block smaller, lighter, slower vehicles
while larger ones face no equivalent scrutiny.

 

I would be grateful if you could direct this enquiry to the appropriate
policy team, and I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Jacob Williams

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[8][FOI #33785 email]

 

Is [9][NZTA request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to New Zealand Transport Agency? If so, please
contact us using this form:

[10]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[11]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This message, together with any attachments, may contain information that
is classified and/or subject to legal privilege. Any classification
markings must be adhered to. If you are not the intended recipient, you
must not peruse, disclose, disseminate, copy or use the message in any
way. If you have received this message in error, please notify us
immediately by return email and then destroy the original message. This
communication may be accessed or retained by NZ Transport Agency Waka
Kotahi for information assurance purposes.

References

Visible links
1. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/conn...
2. https://nzta.govt.nz/
3. mailto:[NZTA request email]
4. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/conn...
5. https://nzta.govt.nz/
6. mailto:[FOI #33785 email]
7. https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific...
8. mailto:[FOI #33785 email]
9. mailto:[NZTA request email]
10. https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...
11. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Jacob,

 

On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, I acknowledge the transfer of your
Official Information Act request on 24 February 2026 seeking:

 

“1. Is the Ministry of Transport aware of or involved in the vehicle
regulatory framework review referenced by NZTA in April 2024, and if so,
what is its current status?

2. Has the question of introducing a light quadricycle vehicle category —
equivalent to the EU's L7e classification — been considered at a policy
level by the Ministry?

3. If this has not yet been considered, would the Ministry be willing to
assess whether such a category is appropriate for New Zealand?

4. Is there a public or stakeholder consultation process planned in
connection with any vehicle classification review, and if so, how can I
participate?”

 

We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible, and in
any event no later than 24 March 2026 being 20 working days after the day
your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by
then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.

 

The Ministry publishes Official Information Act responses on our website
when there may be wider interest in the information released. This means
the information provided to you might be published after you have received
it.

 

Ngā mihi nui,

Harry (He / Him)

Kaitohutohu - Ratonga Minita |OIA Adviser - Ministerial and Executive
Services

From: Official Correspondence <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 24 February 2026 9:39 am
To: [FOI #33785 email]
Subject: OIA-21210 NOTIFICATION OF TRANSFER

 

Kia ora Jacob

 

Transferring the request you made under the Official Information Act 1982

 

Thank you for your email below requesting information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act).

The information you have requested is more closely connected with the
functions of Ministry of Transport than with NZ Transport Agency Waka
Kotahi. Therefore, NZ Transport Agency is transferring your request to
Ministry of Transport under section 14 of the Act.

The time limit for their response to you is 20 working days from 24
February 2026 so you can expect a response from Ministry of Transport on
or before 24 March 2026.

 

Ngā mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[1]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[2][IMG]

 

From: Official Correspondence <[3][email address]>
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 3:15 pm
To: Jacob Williams <[4][FOI #33785 email]>
Subject: OIA-21210 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

Kia ora Jacob

 

This email acknowledges your below request for information made under the
Official Information Act 1982.

 

Your request has been forwarded to the appropriate section of NZ Transport
Agency Waka Kotahi for response. They will contact you if they require
clarification of your request, more time to respond, or if your request
has been transferred to another organisation to respond to. Unless more
time is required, NZ Transport Agency will send a response to you within
20 working days of receiving your request – in this instance on or before
20 March 2026.

 

If you would like to discuss your request with NZ Transport Agency, please
contact us by email at [5][NZTA request email].

 

Ngā mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[6]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[7][IMG]

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jacob Williams
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 2:45 pm
To: Official Correspondence
Subject: Official Information request - Enquiry: Vehicle Regulatory
Framework Review, Light Quadricycle Classification

 

[You don't often get email from
[8][FOI #33785 email]. Learn why this is
important at [9]https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

 

Dear New Zealand Transport Agency,

 

Kia ora,

 

I am writing to the Ministry of Transport to raise a vehicle policy matter
and to ask to be connected with the appropriate team.

 

In April 2024, Waka Kotahi NZTA responded to an Official Information Act
request (OIA-15043) confirming that New Zealand has no defined vehicle
category for light quadricycles — vehicles such as the Fiat Topolino,
Citroën Ami, and Renault Twizy, which are road-legal across the European
Union under the L7e classification. The response also noted that a review
of NZTA's regulatory framework was expected to begin soon, with the scope
to include what vehicle classes should be accepted for registration in New
Zealand.

 

Nearly two years on, I am seeking an update from the Ministry on the
policy position regarding this issue. My questions are:

 

1. Is the Ministry of Transport aware of or involved in the vehicle
regulatory framework review referenced by NZTA in April 2024, and if so,
what is its current status?

2. Has the question of introducing a light quadricycle vehicle category —
equivalent to the EU's L7e classification — been considered at a policy
level by the Ministry?

3. If this has not yet been considered, would the Ministry be willing to
assess whether such a category is appropriate for New Zealand?

4. Is there a public or stakeholder consultation process planned in
connection with any vehicle classification review, and if so, how can I
participate?

 

I also wish to raise what I believe is a significant inconsistency in the
current regulatory approach as it relates to pedestrian safety — a matter
the Ministry has acknowledged as a priority.

 

I raise this not to argue against any particular vehicle type, but to ask
that any regulatory review of vehicle classification be conducted on a
consistent, evidence-based basis — and that the pedestrian safety argument
not be applied selectively to block smaller, lighter, slower vehicles
while larger ones face no equivalent scrutiny.

 

I would be grateful if you could direct this enquiry to the appropriate
policy team, and I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Jacob Williams

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[10][FOI #33785 email]

 

Is [11][NZTA request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to New Zealand Transport Agency? If so, please
contact us using this form:

[12]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[13]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

References

Visible links
1. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/conn...
2. https://nzta.govt.nz/
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[FOI #33785 email]
5. mailto:[NZTA request email]
6. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/conn...
7. https://nzta.govt.nz/
8. mailto:[FOI #33785 email]
9. https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific...
10. mailto:[FOI #33785 email]
11. mailto:[NZTA request email]
12. https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...
13. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Jacob,

 

Please find attached our response to your Official Information Act Request
of 24 February.

 

Ngā mihi

 

Ministerial and Executive Services

From: OIA
Sent: Tuesday, 24 February 2026 11:42 am
To: [FOI #33785 email]
Cc: OIA <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Enquiry: Vehicle Regulatory
Framework Review, Light Quadricycle Classification OC260121

 

Kia ora Jacob,

 

On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, I acknowledge the transfer of your
Official Information Act request on 24 February 2026 seeking:

 

“1. Is the Ministry of Transport aware of or involved in the vehicle
regulatory framework review referenced by NZTA in April 2024, and if so,
what is its current status?

2. Has the question of introducing a light quadricycle vehicle category —
equivalent to the EU's L7e classification — been considered at a policy
level by the Ministry?

3. If this has not yet been considered, would the Ministry be willing to
assess whether such a category is appropriate for New Zealand?

4. Is there a public or stakeholder consultation process planned in
connection with any vehicle classification review, and if so, how can I
participate?”

 

We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible, and in
any event no later than 24 March 2026 being 20 working days after the day
your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by
then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.

 

The Ministry publishes Official Information Act responses on our website
when there may be wider interest in the information released. This means
the information provided to you might be published after you have received
it.

 

Ngā mihi nui,

Harry (He / Him)

Kaitohutohu - Ratonga Minita |OIA Adviser - Ministerial and Executive
Services

From: Official Correspondence <[1][email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 24 February 2026 9:39 am
To: [2][FOI #33785 email]
Subject: OIA-21210 NOTIFICATION OF TRANSFER

 

Kia ora Jacob

 

Transferring the request you made under the Official Information Act 1982

 

Thank you for your email below requesting information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act).

The information you have requested is more closely connected with the
functions of Ministry of Transport than with NZ Transport Agency Waka
Kotahi. Therefore, NZ Transport Agency is transferring your request to
Ministry of Transport under section 14 of the Act.

The time limit for their response to you is 20 working days from 24
February 2026 so you can expect a response from Ministry of Transport on
or before 24 March 2026.

 

Ngā mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[3]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[4][IMG]

 

From: Official Correspondence <[5][email address]>
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 3:15 pm
To: Jacob Williams <[6][FOI #33785 email]>
Subject: OIA-21210 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

Kia ora Jacob

 

This email acknowledges your below request for information made under the
Official Information Act 1982.

 

Your request has been forwarded to the appropriate section of NZ Transport
Agency Waka Kotahi for response. They will contact you if they require
clarification of your request, more time to respond, or if your request
has been transferred to another organisation to respond to. Unless more
time is required, NZ Transport Agency will send a response to you within
20 working days of receiving your request – in this instance on or before
20 March 2026.

 

If you would like to discuss your request with NZ Transport Agency, please
contact us by email at [7][NZTA request email].

 

Ngā mihi

 

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

[8]Connect with us on Social Media

 

[9][IMG]

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jacob Williams
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2026 2:45 pm
To: Official Correspondence
Subject: Official Information request - Enquiry: Vehicle Regulatory
Framework Review, Light Quadricycle Classification

 

[You don't often get email from
[10][FOI #33785 email]. Learn why this is
important at [11]https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

 

Dear New Zealand Transport Agency,

 

Kia ora,

 

I am writing to the Ministry of Transport to raise a vehicle policy matter
and to ask to be connected with the appropriate team.

 

In April 2024, Waka Kotahi NZTA responded to an Official Information Act
request (OIA-15043) confirming that New Zealand has no defined vehicle
category for light quadricycles — vehicles such as the Fiat Topolino,
Citroën Ami, and Renault Twizy, which are road-legal across the European
Union under the L7e classification. The response also noted that a review
of NZTA's regulatory framework was expected to begin soon, with the scope
to include what vehicle classes should be accepted for registration in New
Zealand.

 

Nearly two years on, I am seeking an update from the Ministry on the
policy position regarding this issue. My questions are:

 

1. Is the Ministry of Transport aware of or involved in the vehicle
regulatory framework review referenced by NZTA in April 2024, and if so,
what is its current status?

2. Has the question of introducing a light quadricycle vehicle category —
equivalent to the EU's L7e classification — been considered at a policy
level by the Ministry?

3. If this has not yet been considered, would the Ministry be willing to
assess whether such a category is appropriate for New Zealand?

4. Is there a public or stakeholder consultation process planned in
connection with any vehicle classification review, and if so, how can I
participate?

 

I also wish to raise what I believe is a significant inconsistency in the
current regulatory approach as it relates to pedestrian safety — a matter
the Ministry has acknowledged as a priority.

 

I raise this not to argue against any particular vehicle type, but to ask
that any regulatory review of vehicle classification be conducted on a
consistent, evidence-based basis — and that the pedestrian safety argument
not be applied selectively to block smaller, lighter, slower vehicles
while larger ones face no equivalent scrutiny.

 

I would be grateful if you could direct this enquiry to the appropriate
policy team, and I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Jacob Williams

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[12][FOI #33785 email]

 

Is [13][NZTA request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to New Zealand Transport Agency? If so, please
contact us using this form:

[14]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[15]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[FOI #33785 email]
3. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/conn...
4. https://nzta.govt.nz/
5. mailto:[email address]
6. mailto:[FOI #33785 email]
7. mailto:[NZTA request email]
8. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/conn...
9. https://nzta.govt.nz/
10. mailto:[FOI #33785 email]
11. https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific...
12. mailto:[FOI #33785 email]
13. mailto:[NZTA request email]
14. https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...
15. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections